Have you ever wondered about how to become a video editor and start earning a living with your skills but you’re very unsure if that’s the right thing to do or if learning the skills can actually earn you a decent income?
As a creator with access to hard data, over the years; trends in digital skills have indicated that video editing is one of the top high demand digital skills across different countries. And people are rushing to learn it, for different reasons.
From content creators and brands to influencers and organizations, an increasing growth across platforms has spurred a surge in the demand for video editors.
Top hop on this demand and position yourself with the right skills is not only a great thing to do, it is one of the smartest things you’ll do to yourself this year. But you need a very practical guide to get this achieved. And in this guide, I am going to show you how to learn video editing and become a video editor from scratch.
As we speak, there is not a whole lot of video editors out there. Especially when it comes to video content for digital marketing. That’s why if you have video editing skills and you’re able to put yourself out there, you can certainly earn a living
Is Video Editing a Good Skill to Learn in Nigeria?
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I know you may be wondering if Video Editing is a good career n Nigeria right now and to answer that, all the data points in the affirmative. Becoming a video editor does not only hold a good career prospect, the current digital trends make it a very smart thing to do right now.
For instance, here are some of the reasons why video editing is a high demand skill to learn right now:
- A surge in demand for video content across digital platforms like Tiktok, YouTube, Instagram, Reels etc. has created the need for on the ground video editors who are ready to work with creators.
- More businesses are engaging aggressively in online marketing, and most of these is driven by video content
- The fact that it is now possible to work remotely while earning in foreign currency from your preferred location is another reason why some people are opting to learn this skill
- Also, content monetization on platforms like YouTube, Tiktok, Instagram etc., has pushed many people into content creation, therefore making video editing a crucial skill that needs to be learned, if you want to start creating and sharing your own content.
Beyond these, there are many more reasons why people are learning video editing but one thing that makes this skill stand out is the fact that you really do not need a university degree to learn and use it
What Does a Video Editor Do?
A video editor uses raw video clips to create well-polished, engaging and ready to use content that can be posted across digital platform.
Typically, the role of a video editor includes but not limited to; cutting and arranging video clips, adding text and subtitles, editing sound, colors, effects and formatting videos for specific platforms.
In some cases, as a video editor you might also need to learn specific skills like actual video content ideation and creation, shooting and lighting, alongside the editing skills if you want to become a well-balanced editor.
Key Skills Needed to Become a Video Editor
You don’t have to have a full mastery of all the needed skills before you become a video editor but you need to be very competent in some skills before you get fully into it. This includes skills like storytelling and creation, video flow and pacing, audio fundamentals and color combination skills.
Others include motion graphics, creative effects and animations etc. These skills will get you started as you learn and become more experienced in the field.
Best Video Editing Software to Learn
There are a number of video editing software you can learn to edit with. But your ultimate choice of software for editing should depend on your overall goal.
For example, if you’re learning video editing for social media platforms like Tiktok, Instagram, YouTube etc. as a beginner, you can consider using options like Capcut, Inshot, Adobe Premier Rush etc. You can easily get this apps on Playstore or Apple Store using your mobile device.
For more advanced video editing, you can look at using software like Adobe Premier pro, Davinci Resolve and Capcut for desktop or Mac, depending on what works for you. You can edit videos with any of these softwares using your PC, if you’re looking at editing some more advanced video content.
You’ll also need a laptop with a powerful CPU, a decent storage space and a fast RAM, to enhance your editing if you’re looking at engaging in heavy video editing.
Key Steps to Become a Video Editor
Now that we’ve cleared the basics, let’s discuss more about the steps you’ll take to become a video editor and the learning processes involved:
Have a Goal
What kind of videos or content creators do you plan to work with? This is an important question you need to have in mind as you aspire to become a video editor because the field can be very wide.
For instance, your goal might be to create simple videos for social media platforms like Tiktok, Instagram etc. and this kind of editing has its on requirements in terms of the resources you need for the learning the skill level and some specific kind of mastery you’ll have to evolve.
Same goes for editing full length movies and other highly professional long form videos. The requirement and specific skills needed for this level of editing might be quite different from what is needed for mobile focused editing.
So, you want to be sure of your specific goals before you learn video editing. Also, doing this will inform the specific training you get, institution that is to provide it and the tools you’ll need for the job.
As a beginner, it is okay to start and eventually find out your purpose or specific area of interest as you learn the skills but also keep in mid that this might also make your learning a lot more resource intensive.
Learn The Basics
At this stage, you want to clearly learn the fundamentals of becoming a video editor, starting with things like uploading and cutting videos and clips, adding transitions and texts etc.
Personally, before getting into learning the actual editing, I always advice you learn the other fundamentals like video content creation as it gets you well rooted in what you’re doing especially if it comes to offering guidance on content creation.
So, you’ll want to start with understanding video content ideation and content creation. This will include understanding shooting, positioning, lighting combination to match the tone and needed effect.
When you understand the fundamentals, it helps you in bringing the vision of the videos you edit to life. Without this, you can struggle with the very core aspects of editing.
Choose a Niche
Choosing a niche will be very helpful in your journey as a video editor because a niche helps you to align your skills to a very specific area. This can make it easier for you to gain mastery.
It can also give you the chance to grow at a much faster rate, compared to working in a general niche.
You can decide for instance to be engaged in editing mainly Tiktok and Instagram reels, YouTube Videos, Small business marketing videos etc. You can also opt to go for something more intensive and demanding.
But, before you decide on your niche, pay attention to what is working. What industry is more aligned with your goals and where your interest really lies.
Also, keep in mind that you do not have to compartmentalize your skills at the very early stages unless that is what you want. You can start without a specific niche, grow, establish your expertise and then specialize. And you can also start with a very specific niche and then grow your brand much faster. Choose what works for you.
Practice Extensively
Video editing can be really wide but with consistent practice, you can have a solid mastery in a matter of months. So, it is very crucial to practice extensively.
Now, practicing extensively does not mean doing one video style or using just one format to practice at different intervals. Instead, you want to consider using different video designs, re-editing trending videos etc. this exposes you to what is working in the industry.
Practice different editing styles too. If you want to become a video editor that is well grounded, you need a deep mastery of the skill and you’ll have to be capable of creating excellent outcomes for your clients, regardless of their specific needs.
In addition to that, try editing videos for different platforms beyond the ones you’re familiar with. Platforms like Tiktok, Instagram, YouTube etc. do have their in-built studio, consider learning how that works, alongside the other editing apps you’re using.
Doing this reinforces and extends your mastery.
Build a Portfolio
A portfolio documents your work, displays your expertise while also showing clients that you have the skills to get their jobs delivered.
After you’ve learned the skills to become a video editor, you also need a portfolio to showcase your skills so potential clients can tell that you can get the job done.
For beginners, it can get quite difficult to build a portfolio without getting actual clients but you can start with creating projects you initiate from scratch and then begin building your portfolio with that.
Beyond initiating your own projects, consider taking on pro-bono projects, in exchange for visibility, testimonials or social mentions. This gives you something to use for your portfolio, including testimonials for social proof.
Once you start getting projects for your portfolio, you can host this on a simple website or on your own social media platforms on Instagram, YouTube or elsewhere.
Projects in your portfolio can be very crucial in your storytelling and marketing.
Get your First Clients
Now that you’ve become a video editor, its time to get clients. When you get to this stage, you’ll realize that there are many options you could use to get clients but I’ll be discussing the four popular options for most brands below:
Content Marketing: This entails creating and posting informative and valuable content across digital platforms like your website, social media etc. It is a very popular option with video editors and it can also attract organic clients when done correctly.
Powerful Storytelling: Storytelling involves using your own content to tell engaging, informative and powerful stories that will inspire your audience to take specific actions which involve engaging you.
Applying on Job Platforms: You can also create a profile on top job platforms like Fiverr, Freelancer, Upwork etc. to directly apply for video editing jobs on those platforms.
Advertising and Paid Promotions: while getting clients organically may take a while as you get to build your brand and visibility, you can also consider using paid advertising to boost your visibility before your target audience. You can choose from options like social media advertising, search advertising and also sponsored advertising across platforms, depending on your budget.
Review your Outcomes at Intervals
It is not enough to learn and become a video editor. If you want to be very successful in this career, one of the key things you want to do is to study your outcomes.
Understand how you’re growing. You’ll learn and grow your brand to start getting jobs but beyond just getting jobs, it is important to measure your growth. Know what is working and strategies that are not working then use this data to evolve better strategies.
Also, you want to stay on top of the trends. Algorithms and human preferences for videos are changing very fast. You want to know where the trend is going and get yourself ready to understand and use the new skills required of your industry.
And finally, learn how to use new tools, new effect and new video styles as they come. Don’t limit yourself to what you learned many years ago. Keep evolving as the industry evolves. This is very important.
Final Words
Like most high demand skills, learning video editing is a very practical way to start a digital career. And using what you’ve learned today can get you positioned to start on a very solid foundation.
But beyond reading this, you have to get started learning the skills. Practice daily to improve on what you’re learning. Take on new projects and never stop learning.
Most importantly, while it’s possible to learn alone, working with instructors that knows their onions can get you well positioned to win as a video editor. Start learning with us. Join the Win Media Academy Video Editing Course here. And get all the mentorship and guidance you need.
Now, it’s over to you. What are some of your main challenges when it comes to video editing? Drop your comments below.
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